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Rev. Tom Kunnel, C.O., Administrator Deacon Robert Pang MASSES: Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM 1:00 PM (Spanish)

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Dear Parish Family, Luke’s Emmaus story of today’s Gospel is a beautiful, theological dramatization of one of the encounters of the disciples with their risen

Lord during those wonder-filled days after the discovery of the empty tomb (Mk 16:12-13). It is the story of how on Easter Sunday two disci-ples of Jesus, discouraged and devastated, set out on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus — a distance of about seven miles — and were overtaken by a ‘stranger’ going along the same road. They began to speak to him about all that had occurred in the Holy City during the previous week and how these two disciples were totally disappointed and were giving up. Most probably, Cleopas and his companion were husband and wife, residents of Emmaus and disciples of Jesus who had witnessed His crucifixion and burial. Some scholars allude that seven mile distance was a Roman garrison town and the two were returning to work for the ‘super power’ of the world of that time.

Luke’s Gospel, written toward the end of the first century, was mainly meant for Christians who had not witnessed Christ in the flesh. Luke tells us that we can meet and experience the risen Lord through the reading and interpretation of Scripture, and the “Breaking of the Bread,” as the Lord’s Supper (vv. 30-31) was known then. The story of the encounter on the Emmaus Road is presented in a liturgical fashion using liturgical language such as the commentary: “he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them” (v 30); “the Lord has risen indeed” (v. 34). Thus, the risen Christ is revealed through the telling of the story, the interpretation of Scripture, and the Breaking of the Bread. Jesus began revealing himself through the Scriptures (vv. 25-27) and completed the revelation through the Eucharist (vv. 30-31). This means that Christ still reveals himself to us through Word and Sacrament. The word “companion” derives from two Latin words, “cum” meaning “together with,” and “panis” which means “bread,” implying that companionship is the result especially of eating together, breaking bread together, something which is at the heart of the Eucha-rist.

Luke’s Emmaus story teaches us that 1) Jesus’ death and Resurrection fit God’s purpose as revealed in the Scriptures; 2) the risen Jesus is present in the Word of God and especially in the Breaking of the Bread; 3) suffering is necessary for the Messiah “to enter into his glo-ry”; and 4) we have a risen Savior, One Who personally walks with us in our daily paths, talks with us through His Word and with Whom we can talk through prayer.

The risen Lord meets us on the road to our Emmaus, both in the ordi-nary experiences of our lives, and in the places to which we retreat when life is too much for us. We, too, have hopes and dreams about better health, healing, financial security and family relationships. These hopes and dreams often shatter. The story promises us, however, that Jesus will come to us in unfamiliar guises to support and strength-en us when we least expect our risen Lord. Emmaus moments come to us when we meet the risen Christ on our life’s journey through rough times like the ones we are living through.

Fr. Tom Kunnel C.O.

Please remember in your prayers the Sick and/or Homebound of our Parish Family. Anna Hick-ey, Larry Goswick, Ismaela Sanabria Maldonado, mother of Marleni, Edith & Ana, Anne O’Connor, Gino Galante, Helen Koza, Virginia McCauley Cook, Kristen Lynn, Helen Bark, Nijole Paronetto, Mary Lynch Donaldson sister of Peter Lynch, Johanna Krumm, Tim Armstrong, Eileen Moson, Michael McCormack, Joe Dennerlein

As a Parish Family, let us remember in our prayers all our beloved departed members of our Parish Community Theresa Mayernik, sister of Fran Loftus, Maureen Diana, Marion Hinchcliff, mother of Una McHugh, Jessica Lee, Mary O’Rourke mother of Chris O’Rourke, Fr. John Dwyer, Cecilia Harlan, Eileen Wozniak Phil Kohlbrenner, Cathy Kohlbrenner—father & sister of Andy Kohlbrenner, Madlen Moson, Ralph Pilla PLEASE ADVISE THE RECTORY (359-0078) WHENEVER A PARISHION-ER BECOMES HOMEBOUND, ILL, OR HOSPITALIZED SO ARRANGE-MENTS CAN BE MADE FOR A PRIEST, DEACON OR EUCHARISTIC MINISTER TO VISIT AND BRING COMMUNION TO THEM.

Sun 26-Apr 10:30 PM Rose Molina

By Dcn Rob & May Pang

Mon 27-Apr 10:30 AM Anthony Alcones By St. John’s

Tue 28-Apr 10:30 AM Bernadette O'Shea (healing

By Martina & Peter Lynch

Wed 29-Apr 10:30 AM Thomas Rutigliano

By St. John Outreach Ministry

Thu 30-Apr 10:30 AM Madlen Moson by St. John

Fri 1-May 10:30 AM Thomas Rutigliano

By Mike & Maryann Beckerich

Sat 2-May 10:30 AM Patrick O'Sullivan & Delia Troy

By Carmel O'Sulli\van

Sun 3-May 10:30 AM Robert O'Neill

By Mike & Maryann Beckerich

Today is the third Sunday of Easter and the Gospel tells us about the road to Emmaus. Cleopas and the other disciple were full of news to share with the stranger who came to walk beside them, but they did not recognize Jesus until he sat with them and broke the bread and blessed it. Finally, they realized that the Lord was really alive. This is a beautiful story that you could act out at home to make it become even more understandable. Be sure to watch the Mass at 10:30 (English) or 1:00 pm (Spanish) and listen to the Gospel as Father reads it. Then, after the Mass, talk about it with Mom and Dad and ask them to help you act it out. Keep your faith ALIVE while you are staying at home to save lives.

Webcast Schedule:

Daily Masses: Monday—Saturday: 10:30 AM

Sunday Mass:

English—10:30 AM

Domingo Misa: Espanol—1:00 PM

Readings No. 829

3rd Sunday of Easter

Sun 19-Apr 10:30 AM Webcast English Mass

1:00 PM Webcast Espanol Misa

Mon 20-Apr 10:30 AM Webcast Daily Mass

Tues 21-Apr 10:30 AM Webcast Daily Mass

Wed 22-Apr 10:30 AM Webcast Daily Mass

Thu 23-Apr 10:30 AM Webcast Daily Mass

Fri 24-Apr 10:30 AM Webcast Daily Mass

Sat 25-Apr 10:30 AM Webcast Daily Mass

On ‘Roku’ Select “Box Cast” Channel “St John the Baptist

Today’s Readings First Reading — God has raised the crucified Jesus, who now pours forth the Holy Spirit upon us (Acts 2:14, 22-33). Psalm — Lord, you will show us the path of life (Psalm 16). Second Reading — Our faith and hope are in God, who raised Jesus from the dead (1 Peter 1:17-21). Gospel — Through his words and in the breaking of the bread, the risen Christ made himself known to two disciples on their way to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).

GOD’S PLAN Saint Peter speaks to us twice today. In the first read-ing, we hear an excerpt from his sermon on Pentecost; in the second, part of his first letter. Once a frightened, uneducated fisherman who often said just the wrong thing, now Peter is speaking what he knows to be true. Everything Jesus had said now makes sense. His death and rising were all part of God’s plan, and our faith and hope can be centered on God. Today’s Gospel tells the story of Jesus’ walk to Em-maus with two of the disciples. Frightened, sad, and confused, the two of them don’t recognize Jesus, who tells them what we heard Peter say above: All this had to happen as part of God’s plan. In the end, these disci-ples recognize Jesus as we are to recognize him—in the breaking of the bread.

March 15, 22, 29: $4145 Easter: $5292

April 5, 19: $3675 Campus Dev $45 Holy Land: $75 Vincent de Paul $130

Please continue to send your offerings to support the church either by mail or through online payment: https://stjohnspiermont.churchgiving.com Thank you for your support and generosity to St. John’s.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Acts 6:8-15; Ps 119:23-24, 26-27, 29-30; Jn 6:22-29 Tuesday: Acts 7:51 — 8:1a; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 7b, 8a, 17, 21ab; Jn 6:30-35 Wednesday: Acts 8:1b-8; Ps 66:1-3a, 4-7a; Jn 6:35-40 Thursday: Acts 8:26-40; Ps 66:8-9, 16-17, 20; Jn 6:44-51 Friday: Acts 9:1-20; Ps 117:1bc, 2; Jn 6:52-59, or, for the memorial, Gn 1:26 — 2:3 or Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24; Ps 90:2-4, 12-14, 16; Mt 13:54-58 Saturday: Acts 9:31-42; Ps 116:12-17; Jn 6:60-69 Sunday: Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Ps 23:1-6; 1 Pt 2:20b-25; Jn 10:1-10 St. John’s Goal $38,000

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29 April - ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA

1 MAY- ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER

The Emmaus Road experience is a story that Mark cut short, Matthew and John don't report but Luke captures with great detail. The Bible says that Jesus was not recognizable to the men. The way that it is worded, it's almost as if there was a hand being held over the eyes of these men. It is my belief that He hid His identity because their hearts were not prepared to receive Je-sus and therefore He had to prepare them before He revealed Himself to them. Why am I saying this? It's obvious from the text that the men did not understand who the Son of Man really was and what He came to do. As Jesus was walking along with them, he asked them what they were dis-cussing to which they replied (paraphrasing) "Are you the ON-LY person here who has not heard what just hap-pened?" With great incredulity they interrogated Jesus, sensing some igno-rance on His part. Jesus pressed them further for an answer and they began recounting the entire scenario of His crucifixion. Here is how I know that they were not ready or had different aspirations for the Messiah. First of all, when Jesus asked them what happened, they were standing and looking sad. Second-ly, Luke 24:21 gives us a view into their mindset: Luke 24:21 ""But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Isra-el. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened."

So these men's hope was dashed by the fact that Jesus was murdered on the cross and that nothing had happened by the third day. The third day is crucial because in Jewish culture, it was believed that after three days of being dead, there was no coming back from that. They did not understand the prophecies about Him or the Scriptures telling of His death, one for all. They did not believe what was reported by the women that Jesus was alive.

What can we learn from these men and this experience?

1. When we have doubts about what God is doing, we should not seek an experience, we should search the scriptures and pray for understanding.

Jesus did not give them some ecstatic experience or some powerful new rev-elation from heaven, he took them back to the Word of God. The Word stands forever. The Word of God is objective, honest and true and it has the answers that we seek. The Word of God shapes our worldview and there-fore Jesus took them to the Scriptures and showed them WHY He had to die

and WHAT His ministry was truly about. He did not come as a military conqueror, as they suspected that the Messiah would, He came as the Lamb without spot or blemish to take away the sins of the world. Here is a great example of what we must do as Christians when we

are in doubt about anything, we consult the Word of God and pray for the Spir-it of God to explain or open the Word up to us!

2. We must invite Jesus into our per-sonal lives.

They wanted Jesus to stay with them. This is crucial to the profound occurrence that happened in the next verse. They urged (begged) Him to stay. This is the same attitude that we must have. We cannot remain com-placent or stagnant in our walk with Jesus. We must desire more of Him each and every day. They urged Him to stay and He went in to stay with them. Interestingly, the word used for stay is the same word Jesus used when He instructed His disciples in John 15:4 to abide in Him. This abiding is a long-lasting, fruitful and joyous inter-action between God and man!

3. We must surrender to Jesus.

Look at this verse carefully. Jesus comes in and dines with them. Revela-tion 3:20 says that Jesus is standing at the door knocking and if ANYONE opens the door, He will come in and dine with them. Dining is an intimate

experience. It was even more intimate in this culture. This was not a traditional American meal where we sit separated in chairs around a table; reclining means that they were leaning on one elbow, lying on their sides. This was a way more relaxed and intimate setting. Consider also that there were no electric lights and it was get-ting towards evening so they probably had candles or lamps flickering in the back-ground. Notice what happens, Jesus comes into their home and He is the one who breaks the bread! It was not customary for the guest to break the bread but in this case, when Jesus was the guest of honor, things were a little different! Here is the nugget from this: they surrendered their bread to Jesus! We must surrender our bread to Jesus. He can do more with it than we can! We must surrender totally to Him. Let Him into our lives, give Him charge over our bread, the rooms in our homes, cluttered or uncluttered must be turned over to Him! We have to show Him the parts of the house that we wouldn't nor-mally show anyone and give Him free reign!

Look at what happened when they surren-dered: verse 31 says that their eyes were opened! The verb is in the passive voice indicating that their eyes were opened by an external force operating on them. We know that it was God who opened their eyes! Once their eyes were opened they recognized Jesus for who He was

4. Do not reject the Holy Spirit's work in preparing our witness.

What we see is a glorious transformation of two men who were sad when they did not fully understand what they were experienc-ing but who became powerful witnesses for Jesus after He showed Himself to them. They were not ready but He made them ready. They were sad but Jesus filled them with joy! Let the Word of God dwell richly in each and every one of you so that you will be well equipped for every good work, able to give an answer to anyone for the hope that lies within you! Jesus is alive and well and He is still teaching us, by His Spirit, even from His seat in heav-en.

HOME STUDY GUIDE

LECTURAS DE HOY

Primera lectura —No era posible que Jesús quedara bajo el dominio de la muerte (Hechos 2:14, 22-33). Salmo — Señor, nos mostrarás el sendero de vida (Salmo 17). Segunda lectura — Han sido salvados por la Sangre preciosa de Cristo, como con un cordero sin mancha ni defecto. (1 Pedro 1:17-21). Evangelio — Reconocieron a Jesús en la fracción del pan (Juan 24:13-35).

EL PLAN DE DIOS Hoy san Pedro nos habla dos veces. En la primera lectura, escuchamos un pasaje de su sermón en Pentecostés; en la segunda, parte de su primera carta. Antes, un aterrorizado pescador con poca educación quien a menudo decía lo equivocado, el Pedro de ahora habla sobre la verdad que conoce. Todo lo que Jesús había dicho ahora tiene sentido. Su muerte y resurrección eran parte del plan de Dios, y nuestra fe y esperanza pueden centrarse en Dios. El Evangelio de hoy describe el relato del camino a Emaús en el que Jesús se une a dos discípulos. Atemorizados, tristes y confundidos aquellos dos no reconocen a Jesús, quien les dice lo que escuchamos a Pedro decir arriba: todo esto tuvo que suceder como parte del plan de Dios. Al final, estos discípulos reconocen a Jesús así como nosotros debe-mos reconocerle –al partir el pan.

LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA Lunes: Hch 6:8-15; Sal 118:23-24, 26-27, 29-30; Jn 6:22-29 Martes: Hch 7:51 — 8:1a; Sal 30:3cd-4, 6, 7b, 8a, 17, 21ab; Jn 6:30-35 Miércoles: Hch 8:1b-8; Sal 65:1-3a, 4-7a; Jn 6:35-40 Jueves: Hch 8:26-40; Sal 65:8-9, 16-17, 20; Jn 6:44-51 Viernes: Hch 9:1-20; Sal 116:1bc, 2; Jn 6:52-59, ó (por la memoria) Gn 1:26 — 2:3 ó Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24; Sal 89:2-4, 12-14, 16; Mt 13:54-58 Sábado: Hch 9:31-42; Sal 115:12-17; Jn 6:60-69 Domingo: Hch 2:14a, 36-41; Sal 22:1-6; 1 Pe 2:20b-25;

LOS SANTOS Y OTRAS CELEBRACIONES Domingo: Tercer Domingo de Pascua Martes: San Pedro Chanel; San Luis María de Montfort Miércoles: Santa Catalina de Siena Jueves: San Pio V Viernes: San José obrero; Primer viernes Sábado: San Atanasio; Primer sábado

EL DESCONOCIDO Imagínate encontrar a un desconocido, un compañero de viaje, que se entromete a una conversación que estás teniendo con

tu amigo. Los dos discípulos en el Evangelio de hoy se dirigen a Emaús, a siete millas de Jerusalén, desconsolados y desilusionados. Es el día de la resurrección de Jesús, pero nadie sabía cuándo estos dos empezaron su camino, quizá regresando a casa para continuar sus ocupaciones previas a su seguimiento a Jesús, pues parecía como si todo hubiera terminado.

En medio del intento para encontrar sentido a la tragedia, algún hombre escucha a escondidas y les pregunta acerca de sus problemas. Después de contarle su historia, los discípulos se sorprenden encontrar a un desconocido que usando las Escrituras pone todas las piezas juntas de una imagen rota de su maestro. Lo que luego pasa, durante la cena reconocen a Jesús al partir el pan, justo para desaparecer ante ellos. Con sus corazones encendidos de amor e inspiración, corren para regresar a Jerusalén, en la noche, para contarles a los otros su nueva historia. EL DESCONOCIDO/PASTOR

El desconocido en esta historia que resulta ser Jesús, es una reminiscencia de las imágenes del Evangelio de Jesús como el Buen Pastor. Él busca a sus “ovejas perdidas” que se han desviado de la comunidad de fe, y la experiencia del Señor resucitado los transforma en quizá los primeros evangelistas, compartiendo la Buena Nueva con sus amigos regresando a Jerusalén.

¿Somos transformados cuando salimos de Misa? ¡Deberíamos! Nuestros corazones deberían arder dentro de nosotros debi-do a nuestra experiencia de Jesús en palabra y sacramento. ¡Sin embargo, que tan a menudo la vida rompe nuestros corazones y nu-bla nuestra mente! Tropezamos hacia nuestro Emaús, ignorando que Jesús está dentro de nosotros. Somos privilegiados de experi-mentar a Jesús en cada Eucaristía mediante las Escrituras y al partir el pan. Como los discípulos de esta historia, esa experiencia transformadora puede obligarnos a avanzar y anunciar a todos la Buena Nueva.

P A R I S H M I N I S T R I E S & C H A I R Buildings & Grounds Pat Miele, Alex Aguilar Eucharistic Adoration Dcn Robert Pang Health Mary Loftus Hispanic Community Michaelina Maldonado Ministerios Marianos Luis y Aida Cachichabla Hospitality Robin Miller Men’s Club Bill Loftus. Ralph Olsen Ushers Jake Miraglia Music Elise Espinosa, Chris & Carolyn Yates, Ann Quattrocchi & Eileen Petersen Spanish Choir Carlos Cerna, William Martinez Outreach Maria Nest Parish Council Ralph Olsen Parish Worship Dcn Rob Pang Religious Education Kathleen Dunn RCIA Dcn Robert Pang, Nelson Zamora Catholic Daughters Marge Olsen Right to Life Scott Giblin Social May Pang Spiritual Life Johanna Krumm St. Vincent De Paul Fr. Tom Kunnel

P A R I S H C O U N C I L Alex Aguilar, Kathleen Dunn, Jonathan/Dominika Fanning, Lucia/Sal Caruana, Marleni Lemus, Ray/Beverly Sambrotto,

Irma Vasquez T R U S T E E S

Phil McCartin James Pontone

Our Sacramental Life

Baptism: Please call the Rectory well in advance of the expected day of Bap-tism to arrange an appointment for an interview. Pre-baptismal meeting for parents is required. Godparents must be confirmed, practicing Catholics. Gener-ally Baptisms are celebrated the third Sunday of each month at 12:00 pm.

Reconciliation: Confessions are heard from 4:30-5:00 pm on Saturday. You may also make an appointment with Fr. Tom. Spanish confessions is available from 12:30–1:00 PM on Sundays.

Marriage: Marriages should be arranged at least six months in advance. Partici-pation in Pre-Cana is essential. Please call the Rectory to schedule an appoint-ment with Fr. Tom.

Anointing of the Sick: Before you enter the hospital for elective surgery or other serious treatment, and for those who have need of spiritual healing. In an emergency, please call Fr. Tom’s mobile 845 608 9358.

Holy Orders: Any gentleman interested in exploring the question of vocation to the priesthood or the permanent diaconate should contact Fr. Tom Kunnel. We would also be happy to direct anyone interested in living their lives as Religious Sisters or Brothers.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults: For instruction for Baptism, Confirma-tion and Eucharist for adults and to learn about Catholic Faith. If interested please contact Dcn Robert Pang.

For more details and forms—www.stjohnspiermont.org

Parish Registration: All adults (over age 21) should register in the parish themselves and should use envelopes or parishpay.com. Tithing is 5% of income. This registration is our only means of certifying anyone as a member of the parish, especially for Baptism and Confirmation sponsorship letters and for scheduling Baptisms and Weddings.

2nd Sunday of Easter Find Words:

Angel BreakingBread Cleopas Emmaus EmptyTomb EyesOpened

HeartBurning Recognized Scriptures StayWithUs TrulyRaised Vanished